Astronomy quiz question: rise/set positions and paths of the sun

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, spring semester 2020
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An observer in San Luis Obispo, CA notices that there are approximately 10 hours between sunrise and sunset. On this day, the sun rose:
(A) between northeast and east.
(B) due east.
(C) between east and southeast.
(D) between southwest and west.
(E) due west.
(F) between west and northwest.

Correct answer (highlight to unhide): (C)

Students completed this diagram of the paths for the sun for San Luis Obispo, CA on an in-class activity ("lecture-tutorial"). However, this diagram was not provided on the quiz.


In December, the sun will rise on the horizon between east and southeast, and takes 10 hours to set on the horizon between southwest and west.

Section 30676
Exam code: quiz02s4L3
(A) : 8 students
(B) : 4 students
(C) : 30 students
(D) : 2 students
(E) : 0 students
(F) : 1 students

Success level: 68% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.70-->

Astronomy quiz question: rise/set positions and paths of the sun

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, spring semester 2020
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An observer in San Luis Obispo, CA notices that there are approximately 10 hours between sunrise and sunset. On this day, the sun will set:
(A) between northeast and east.
(B) due east.
(C) between east and southeast.
(D) between southwest and west.
(E) due west.
(F) between west and northwest.

Correct answer (highlight to unhide): (D)

Students completed this diagram of the paths for the sun for San Luis Obispo, CA on an in-class activity ("lecture-tutorial"). However, this diagram was not provided on the quiz.


In December, the sun will rise on the horizon between east and southeast, and takes 10 hours to set on the horizon between southwest and west.

Section 30674
Exam code: quiz01N3ve
(A) : 4 students
(B) : 0 students
(C) : 4 students
(D) : 11 students
(E) : 3 students
(F) : 9 students

Success level: 37% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.52

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, spring semester 2020
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 30674, version 1
Exam code: quiz01N3ve


Section 30674

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 6.0]
8.5-16.0 :	****************
16.5-24.0 :	********** [mean = 21.6 +/- 8.6]
24.5-32.0 :	*************
32.5-40.0 :	**** [high = 40.0]

Section 30676, version 1
Exam code: quiz01s4L3


Section 30676

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 8.0]
8.5-16.0 :	****
16.5-24.0 :	***************
24.5-32.0 :	*********** [mean = 26.6 +/- 9.5]
32.5-40.0 :	************** [high = 40.0]

Astronomy quiz question: rise/set positions and paths of the sun

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, fall semester 2019
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An observer in San Luis Obispo, CA watches the sun rise in June. As soon as __________ later, the sun will rise on the horizon due east.
(A) 10 hours.
(B) 12 hours.
(C) 14 hours.
(D) One month.
(E) Three months.
(F) Six months.

Correct answer (highlight to unhide): (E)

Students completed this diagram of the paths for the sun for San Luis Obispo, CA on an in-class activity ("lecture-tutorial"). However, this diagram was not provided on the quiz.


In June, the sun will rise on the horizon between northeast and east, and takes 14 hours to set on the horizon between west and northwest. The sun will rise on the horizon due east during March or September. So the soonest that the sun will rise on the horizon due east after June would be September, three months later.

Section 70158
Exam code: quiz01SLYc
(A) : 13 students
(B) : 25 students
(C) : 4 students
(D) : 0 students
(E) : 10 students
(F) : 2 students

Success level: 26% (including partial credit for multiple-choice)
Discrimination index (Aubrecht & Aubrecht, 1983): 0.64

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, fall semester 2019
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 70158, version 1
Exam code: quiz01SLYc

Section 70158

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 6.0]
8.5-16.0 :	****************
16.5-24.0 :	********** [mean = 21.6 +/- 8.6]
24.5-32.0 :	*************
32.5-40.0 :	**** [high = 40.0]

Section 70160, version 1
Exam code: quiz01nGh7

Section 70160

0- 8.0 :	*** [low = 8.0]
8.5-16.0 :	*******
16.5-24.0 :	******* [mean = 19.0 +/- 7.6]
24.5-32.0 :	***
32.5-40.0 :	* [high = 36.0]

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, spring semester 2019
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 30674, version 1
Exam code: quiz01n1aR


Section 30674

0- 8.0 :	*** [low = 8.0]
8.5-16.0 :	********
16.5-24.0 :	******** [mean = 23.3 +/- 9.7]
24.5-32.0 :	*******
32.5-40.0 :	********* [high = 40.0]

Section 30676, version 1
Exam code: quiz01sRmB


Section 30676

0- 8.0 :	*** [low = 5.0]
8.5-16.0 :	*********
16.5-24.0 :	************* [mean = 23.9 +/- 9.2]
24.5-32.0 :	**********
32.5-40.0 :	*********** [high = 40.0]

Astronomy midterm question: earlier shift of Jupiter's rising time?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2018
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

The following description of Jupiter was given in a science magazine[*]:

At the beginning of this month Jupiter rises around midnight. At the end of this month Jupiter rises around 10 PM.

Discuss how this earlier shift of Jupiter's rising time over the course of a month would be plausible for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using diagrams showing the positions of the sun, Jupiter, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] Astronomical Notes," Scientific American, vol. 43 no. 235 (July 3, 1880), p. 11, books.google.com/books?id=6ok9AQAAIAAJ&dq.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations for an observer on Earth looking at Jupiter:
  1. Jupiter's position in its orbit around the sun is "ahead of" Earth's position in its orbit around the sun such that the observer on Earth at midnight is able to see Jupiter rising from the east horizon, and
  2. a few months later, Earth has "caught up" to Jupiter (but not yet at superior conjunction) such the observer on Earth will see Jupiter rising from the horizon at an earlier time.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. May have Jupiter highest overhead at midnight (at superior conjunction) for the earlier drawing, and then Earth slightly ahead of Jupiter for the later drawing such that Jupiter is overhead at 10 PM.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. May have geocentric model of Jupiter orbiting Earth, or Earth staying still while Jupiter moves relative to Earth around sun, or observer/times on Earth are in wrong positions.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Some attempt at diagram(s), but no clear indication of observer/times on Earth and how relative motions of Earth and Jupiter would cause the earlier shift of Jupiter's rising time.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70158
Exam code: midterm01Sa1Y
p: 7 students
r: 11 students
t: 9 students
v: 8 students
x: 1 student
y: 1 student
z: 0 students

Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01n4mR
p: 1 student
r: 3 students
t: 5 students
v: 8 students
x: 2 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 1999)
Another sample "p" response (from student 4008)

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, fall semester 2018
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 70158, version 1
Exam code: quiz01S1ri


Section 70158

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 4.0]
8.5-16.0 :	*********
16.5-24.0 :	********
24.5-32.0 :	********** [mean = 25.5 +/- 9.6]
32.5-40.0 :	********** [high = 40.0]

Section 70160, version 1
Exam code: quiz01nHa0


Section 70160

0- 8.0 :	*** [low = 4.0]
8.5-16.0 :	***
16.5-24.0 :	******* [mean = 18.6 +/- 7.9]
24.5-32.0 :	****** [high = 32.0]
32.5-40.0 :

Astronomy midterm question: Saturn high overhead at sunrise, then eventually at midnight?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2018
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

The following explanation was given on an online discussion board[*]:

Say Saturn is overhead at sunrise. After a few months, Earth will have moved faster in its orbit than Saturn such that Saturn will then be visible overhead at midnight.

Discuss why this answer is correct for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using diagrams showing the positions of the sun, Saturn, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20180302021141AAdHysp.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations for an observer on Earth looking at Saturn:
  1. Saturn's position in its orbit around the sun is "ahead of" Earth's position in its orbit around the sun such that the observer on Earth at sunrise is able to see Saturn overhead; and
  2. a few months later, Earth has "caught up" to Saturn and they are (approximately) "lined up" with the sun (superior conjunction), such that the observer on Earth at midnight is able to see Saturn overhead.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Draws both diagrams: one correct, the other with slight errors.
• t:
  PContains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Draws both diagrams with errors; or has one diagram correct, the other missing/problematic.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Some attempt at one diagram, with errors; the other is missing or effectively missing.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm01nND4
p: 11 students
r: 2 students
t: 8 students
v: 2 student
x: 2 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 4387):

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, spring semester 2018
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 30674, version 1
Exam code: quiz01n0rK


Section 30674

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 8]
8.5-16.0 :	****
16.5-24.0 :	***
24.5-32.0 :	******** [mean = 28.0 +/- 9.6]
32.5-40.0 :	********* [high = 40]

Section 30676, version 1
Exam code: quiz02S1Bn


Section 30676

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	********* [low = 9.5]
16.5-24.0 :	************
24.5-32.0 :	*********** [mean = 26.1 +/- 9.0]
32.5-40.0 :	************** [high = 40]

Astronomy midterm question: Mars and Saturn rising after midnight?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2017
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy question on an online discussion board was asked and answered[*]:

Q: Well, I observed a bright red dot that is Mars rising just after midnight. At the same time there was another bright white dot right next to Mars. What is it?
A: I think it's Saturn.

Discuss how this answer is plausible for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, Mars, Saturn, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20140311092430AAKTg2Q.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations for an observer on Earth at or around midnight (12 AM):
  1. Mars can be placed in an orbit around the sun outside of Earth's orbit such that it is visible low over the observer's east horizon; and
  2. Saturn is also placed in an orbit around the sun outside of Earth's orbit such that it is visible low over the observer's east horizon.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Has east/west horizons switched, such that Mars and/or Saturn are setting at or around midnight.
• t:
  Problems with either diagram or discussion. Problems with either diagram or discussion. May have:
  1. observer placed at midnight, but has Mars and Saturn both high overhead; or
  2. observer not placed at midnight and east/west horizons switched.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Diagram and discussion problematic.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01Sn0w
p: 16 students
r: 9 students
t: 16 students
v: 4 students
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 1027):
Another sample "p" response (from student 2622):
A sample "r" response (from student 4472), with Mars and Saturn setting at midnight:

Astronomy midterm question: Mars and Venus low in the west at sunrise?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2017
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy question on an online discussion board was asked and answered[*]:

Q: Well, I observed a bright red dot that is Mars low in the west at sunrise. At the same time there was another bright white dot right next to Mars. What is it?
A: I think it's Venus.

Discuss how this answer is implausible for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, Mars, Venus, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20140311092430AAKTg2Q.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations for an observer on Earth at or around sunrise (6 AM):
  1. Mars can be placed in an orbit around the sun outside of Earth's orbit such that it is visible low over the observer's west horizon; and
  2. Venus, when placed anywhere in an orbit around the sun inside of Earth's orbit, can only be seen low over the east horizon at sunrise.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors. Has east/west horizons switched, such that Mars and/or Venus are setting at or around sunset.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Problems with either diagram or discussion. May have both Venus and Mars in an inner (or outer) orbit with east/west horizons switched, such that Venus and Mars are rising at or around sunrise (or sunset).
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Diagram and discussion problematic.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01nDm3
p: 14 students
r: 10 students
t: 9 students
v: 0 student
x: 0 students
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 1352):
Another sample "p" response (from student 8954):

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, fall semester 2017
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 70158, version 1
Exam code: quiz01S3aN

Section 70158

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 8]
8.5-16.0 :	*******
16.5-24.0 :	***************
24.5-32.0 :	*************** [mean = 26.0 +/- 8.3]
32.5-40.0 :	********** [high = 40]

Section 70160, version 1
Exam code: quiz01nMm5

Section 70160

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	**** [low = 12]
16.5-24.0 :	********
24.5-32.0 :	********** [mean = 27.3 +/- 8.5]
32.5-40.0 :	********** [high = 40]

Astronomy midterm question: Mars in the east and Venus in the west at sunset?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2017
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy question on an online discussion board was asked and answered[*]:

g12: How can I find Mars and Venus?
Chr: Right now [February 2012] Mars is low in the east at sunset, while at the same time that Venus is low in the west.

Discuss how this answer could be correct for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, Mars, Venus, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120205171726AAsMiO0.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations for an observer on Earth at sunset (6 PM):
  1. Mars can be placed in an orbit around the sun outside of Earth's orbit such that it is visible low over the observer's east horizon; and
  2. Venus can be placed in an orbit around the sun inside of Earth's orbit such that it is visible low over the observer's west horizon.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
• t:
  Problems with either diagram or discussion. May have:
  1. Mars in an inner orbit and/or Venus in an outer orbit; or
  2. observer not placed at sunset and/or east/west horizons switched.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Diagram and discussion problematic.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30676
Exam code: midterm01sP4m
p: 25 students
r: 3 students
t: 14 students
v: 1 student
x: 1 student
y: 0 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 0247):
Another sample "p" response (from student 2412):

Astronomy midterm question: Mars and Mercury both low in the west at sunrise?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2017
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy question on an online discussion board was asked and answered[*]:

Pdg: Can be Mars and Mercury be both low in the west at sunrise?
CON: No. Mars can be low in the west at sunrise, but Mercury cannot.

Discuss how this answer is correct, and how you know this. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, Mars, Mercury, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20170106000722AAkerYG.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations for an observer on Earth at sunrise (6 AM):
  1. Mars can be placed in an orbit around the sun outside of Earth's orbit such that it is visible low over the observer's west horizon; and
  2. Mercury can be placed in an orbit around the sun inside of Earth's orbit but will never be visible low over the observer's west horizon.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
• t:
  Problems with either diagram or discussion. May have:
  1. Mars in an inner orbit and/or Mercury in an outer orbit; or
  2. observer not placed at sunset and/or east/west horizons switched.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Diagram and discussion problematic.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm01nghT
p: 14 students
r: 0 students
t: 6 students
v: 0 student
x: 2 students
y: 0 students
z: 1 student

A sample "p" response (from student 9433):

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, spring semester 2017
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 30674, version 1
Exam code: quiz01nK0n

Section 30674

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	** [low = 12]
16.5-24.0 :	*******
24.5-32.0 :	*********** [mean = 26.3 +/- 6.6]
32.5-40.0 :	** [high = 40]

Section 30676, version 1
Exam code: quiz01s7vN

Section 30676

0- 8.0 :
8.5-16.0 :	***** [low = 12]
16.5-24.0 :	*********
24.5-32.0 :	**************** [mean = 27.9 +/- 7.6]
32.5-40.0 :	**************** [high = 40]

Astronomy midterm question: Jupiter rising a few hours after sunset?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, fall semester 2016
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

The following claim was made on an online discussion board[*]:

Cte: If Jupiter can be seen in the west at sunrise, then Jupiter is going to be rising a few hours after sunset.

Discuss why this answer is correct for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, Jupiter, and an observer on Earth. (Assume you can see planets in daylight.)

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120314164501AA0wF99.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations:
  1. for an observer on Earth at sunrise (6 AM), Jupiter is placed in an orbit around the sun outside of Earth' orbit such that it is visible low over the west horizon;
  2. this observer at sunset (6 PM) would not be able to see Jupiter (which does not appreciably move in its orbit during this time), as it would be below the horizon, such that waiting a few hours after sunset is necessary for Jupiter to rise above the east horizon.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Problems with either diagram or discussion. May have:
  1. Jupiter placed in a geocentric orbit around Earth, but in a manner consistent with being low in the west at sunset, and would rise shortly after sunrise; or
  2. Jupiter placed in an outer orbit around the sun such that it is seen in the east at sunset, and/or is already above the horizon at sunrise.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Diagram and discussion problematic.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 70160
Exam code: midterm01n4AN
p: 9 students
r: 7 students
t: 7 students
v: 5 students
x: 0 students
y: 2 students
z: 0 students

A sample "p" response (from student 2873):
Another sample "p" response (from student 7510), with a slightly different viewpoint:

Astronomy quiz archive: stars/sun/seasons/moon phases

Astronomy 210 Quiz 1, fall semester 2016
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Section 70158, version 1
Exam code: quiz01swE3


Section 70158

0- 8.0 :	**** [low = 8]
8.5-16.0 :	*****
16.5-24.0 :	**************** [mean = 23.5 +/- 8.1]
24.5-32.0 :	**************
32.5-40.0 :	****** [high = 40]

Section 70160, version 1
Exam code: quiz01n4Ps


Section 70160

0- 8.0 :	* [low = 8]
8.5-16.0 :	*********
16.5-24.0 :	*********** [mean = 22.9 +/- 8.3]
24.5-32.0 :	*********
32.5-40.0 :	*** [high = 40]

Astronomy midterm question: Mercury rising while Venus is setting?

Astronomy 210 Midterm 1, spring semester 2016
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

An astronomy question on an online discussion board[*] was asked and answered:

Pdg: At the same time you can see Venus setting, can you see Mercury rising?
DcM: Regardless of where they are in their orbits about the sun, while Venus can set in the west, it isn't possible to see Mercury rising in the east at the same time.

Discuss why this answer is correct for an observer in San Luis Obispo, CA, and how you know this. Support your answer using a diagram showing the positions of the sun, Mercury, Venus, Earth, and an observer on Earth.

[*] answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20160114114820AAEJYPB.

Solution and grading rubric:

• p:
  Correct. Complete diagram and reasoning includes the following explanations:
  1. for an observer on Earth at sunset (6 PM), Venus appears to be setting in the west (or some other late afternoon/early evening time) when placed in an orbit inside Earth's orbit;
  2. this sunset observer cannot see Mercury rising in the east, as that would mean Mercury would have to be in an orbit outside of Earth's.
• r:
  Nearly correct (explanation weak, unclear or only nearly complete); includes extraneous/tangential information; or has minor errors.
• t:
  Contains right ideas, but discussion is unclear/incomplete or contains major errors. Problems with either diagram or discussion.
• v:
  Limited relevant discussion of supporting evidence of at least some merit, but in an inconsistent or unclear manner. Diagram and discussion problematic.
• x:
  Implementation/application of ideas, but credit given for effort rather than merit.
• y:
  Irrelevant discussion/effectively blank.
• z:
  Blank.

Grading distribution:
Section 30674
Exam code: midterm01n0rD
p: 6 students
r: 0 students
t: 4 students
v: 7 students
x: 4 students
y: 0 students
z: 1 student

Section 30676
Exam code: midterm01sN0w
p: 17 students
r: 15 students
t: 10 students
v: 8 students
x: 2 students
y: 1 student
z: 1 student

A sample "p" response (from student 2117):
A sample "p" response (from student 2919):